New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-08-14
THE WIDOWS ADONIS.

thing went well with nm.
Did he speculate imprudently, the speculation,
however unpromsing, certain TO do we'll did
he back rank outsider for great race, it was
almost certain OF place Fortune always be-
:riended him. He generally rose winner from
his post -pra ada rubber, because his skill was
extraordinary, but from sheer force of luck; and it
was on record that on one occasion he broke the
bank at Monte Carlo.
He was besides, extremely handsome, though on
lii utau scale; for Fitzgerald Brandon was not
only one of the luckiest but also one of the small
est of nen. lie stood just five feet five in his
hoots but his neat little figure, always dressed in
the ost perfectly fitting chcfs-d oeuvre of Small
page Poole, was erect, so dapper and so we'll
prOpOrtioned, that any shortcomings of stature
were readily forgiven and forgotten by his l.
mercus admirers of the fair sex. For, whatever
the lady-nOvelists may say, women are not so ut
terly devoted TO those lords OF hercuean build and
superhuman physical strength who Invariably hg-
ure in the pages of fashionable fiction.
Little Fitz was, in his way, quite lady killer,
and as he was well known to be a rich as We II as
lucky man, his lines generally fell III pleasant
places. His position in society was assured, and
many a fair demoiselle moving in the very best
circles would have been willing enough TO share
his fortunes.
But little Fitz seemed reluctant to don the mat
rimonial letters; he eschewed the society Of the
demoisCe q marier, preferrlng the maturer charms
of ladies' who already wore the marriage ring and
yet coul enjoy f1rtat on without fear of scandal
In short little Fitz was devoted admircr OF
that privileged class. young and pretty widows.
Perhaps he fondly imagined he was less likely to
he caught" by these bercaved sirens thai by
young debutartes still under the maternal wing.
At all events be was nearly always TO be seen.
with one or other OF these fair ladies, who having
dofed their weeds, had bloomed out again in all
their pristine brilliancy.
And that is how he won the soubriquet by which
he was known in every club in London, of THE
Widows Adonis."
Just look at the fellows How any woman can
take up with such a conceited little coxcomb, L
can't imagine" said Maitland, Of the 50th
Dragoons-a heavy" dragon in more senses than
one, for he rode fourteen stone and was more
remarllat L. for breadth of shoulder than quick
ness Of wit-to his fidus Achates one morning
in the Row.
"1here's no accounting for tastes,' muttered
the other, pulling his mustache and darting en-
vious glances at little Fitz, who was seated
between two Of the prctticst young widows in
London and seemed nightly 10 relish the position.
Il should have thought a charming woman
like Mrs Desmond He did not finish the
sentence. but glared 6erccly at the dappcr figure
Of little FitZ, who laughing and chatting
gayly to his fair companions. II looks could Kill,
what Wholesale slaughter would 60 on in this
highly civilized metropolis OF ours.
Jack CarnfOrth, the mpecunious oflshoot OF an
ancient family tree, would have given good deal
to secure pretty Mrs. Desmond and her fortune,
which was said to be considerable. At one time
she had accepted Lis homage with apparent pleas
ure, but since Fitzgerd Brandon had crossed her
path, she had turned a deaf ear to the penniless
young attaches pretty speeches Poor CarnfOrth,
in spite of his good looks, felt that he was hope
lessy out of the running, for, though Brandon
might be- as Maitland said, "a conceited little
coxcomb,, it was impossible to deny that he
possessed the art Of making himself agreeable.
The two ladies, between whom this miniature
Paris was seated, were as antagOnistic to each
other as Maitland and Carnforth were TO the
object of their rivalry; for the two pretty
widows were rivals and hated each other cor
daily. though they called each other dear
Minnao and dear Clementina," and before the
ewes of the world posed great friends and
allies.
In appearance, the two fdics contrasted well,
and each Gattered herself that her friend was an
excellent fol 10 her own charms. Mlnna Desmond
tall, handsome brunette, with fine eyes and
magnificent lack hair, while ClementiDa Soners
was a fairy-lke blonde with dazzling COM
piexion, blight blue eyes and a chevelure of the
most hcautiful--dye; at least so her dear
Minna" said. Both were repnted TO be wealthy
and acknowledged TO be charming, and both were
bent on securing the affection of that fortunate
individual. the Widows Adonis.'
"Tshaw," muttered Carnforth, as he watched
the trio. s. suppose his money is the attraction"
"Of course il isl You don't think any woman
would admire his looks, do you?" retorted Matt
land souaring his broad shoulders and arrang-
ING the carlenia in his button-boe. women
are always mercenary," he added, with sigh.
lie had only couple Of hundred a-year and
his pay good matrimonial venture would have
set him firmly on his financial feet again, for it
wouii have enabled him 10 bid defiance to
certain jew money-iender who hCli more of his
"paper" than he cared TO think OF. Besides
he really admired Mrs Somers, and it enraged
him to see her show this marked preference for
Brandon.
Meanwhile the latter, in serene Inconsistencies
of the wrath he was rousing in two manly bosOms,
was thoroughly enjoying himself The old adage
did not holl good for once; be found three excel
lent COMPANY He admired both his fair compan-
ions. and their all but open rivalry lent delight
full puuancy 10 their conversation. Each was so
anxious 10 outshine the other that their talk was
almost brilliant, and little Fritz was kept well
amused. Like many men who are not remarkable
Tor VIII, he admired women who could sklliuly
use that essentially feminine weapon, the tongue;
nothing charmed him more than ready retort or
neat epigram and even satire, If not levelled
against himself pleased him.
That morning both ladies had hoped to secure
him for an hours chat; il was unfortunate that
the hopes ofboth should be fulfilled and yet baiiled
Minna wished to have him all to herself; it was
really most provoking that Clementina's wishes
FLASHED with hers.
Arc you going to Mrs. Eaton's this afternoonp
asked the latter, In the soft hsping tones her
friends stigmatized rs sabsurdly affected" but
which many people thought charming.
"Ycs-that is if you and Mrs. Desmond will be
there" replied the gallant little man promptly.
Mrs Somers's blue eyes eouded. This WAS not
at all what she wanted. Minna's face bright
ened evidently Brandon did not care much for
dear ClemeDtina's society.
"Yes. shall certainly co. she said, shedding
her brightest smile it,. II thought, Glenn
entiDa, you meant TO drive ont 10 Richmond TO
call on old Lady Merrywcather," she added
sweetIy, at the same time darling baf-deiiant
glance across at Clemcntina